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1699 - The '2d air Manuscript Town Mark of Ayr
In the final years of the 17tti Century, the town name and charge appears on the reverse of
some letters originating from Ayr. It is uncertain whether the '2d air' manuscript marks
were applied at Ayr Post Off.ice or when the letters in the Ayr postbag arrived at
Edinburgh's Letter Office.
14tti December 1699. Bargany to Edinburgh, with the
unpaid charge '2' (shillings) on the front and the Ayr
town name and rate '2d air' on the reverse.
Ayr was 73 Scottish miles (80 modem miles) from
Edinburgh but the 'computed' distance used by the Post
Office was below 50 Scottish miles and so the rate
charged was 2 shillings Scots (2d ster1ing) as per the
Act of the Scottish Parliament, 1695.
'For Mr Patrick Crawford merchatt att the Lucken booths Eel
1
w care These'
